On January 13, 2026, President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara, Japan, for a summit. This meeting marked the first visit by a Korean president to Japan since Prime Minister Takaichi took office and continued the tradition of shuttle diplomacy between the two nations. President Lee emphasized the historical turning point and the urgent need for Korea and Japan to deepen and broaden their cooperation. He highlighted the symbolic significance of ancient cities like Gyeongju and Nara, which represent the long history of exchange and collaboration between the two countries.
President Lee referenced Prime Minister Takaichi’s visit to Gyeongju in October 2025 and his own visit to Nara, noting that both countries now share their future across economic, social, and cultural spheres. The summit covered a wide range of topics, including economic security, science and technology, and international norms, with both leaders agreeing to initiate discussions between relevant authorities. They also agreed to deepen practical cooperation in artificial intelligence and intellectual property protection, address social issues such as low birth rates and aging populations, and enhance joint responses to transnational crimes like scams through an international cooperation body.
Regarding people-to-people exchanges, the leaders recognized the importance of mutual understanding among future generations, proposing measures such as expanding youth exchanges, simplifying immigration procedures, promoting school trips, and mutual recognition of technical qualifications. On regional and global issues, they stressed the importance of Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation for peace and stability, and the need for trilateral communication and collaboration with China. Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and agreed to continue close coordination on North Korea policy. Progress was also made on historical issues, including DNA identification for victims of the 1942 Josei coal mine accident.
President Lee concluded that the summit serves as a starting point for reflecting on the past 60 years of Korea-Japan relations and preparing for the next 60 years. He expressed hope that both nations and their people will build a new era of dense exchange and cooperation. The summit demonstrated a strong commitment to practical and future-oriented collaboration across various fields. Looking ahead, Korea-Japan relations are expected to expand in scope and depth, playing a crucial role in regional stability and global issue response amid international uncertainties.